• Canadian Favourites Onboard – Complimentary MadeGood Mornings Cinnamon Bun Soft Baked Oat Bars and Greenhouse Ginger Defence Wellness Shots join our onboard offering 
• Air Canada is the only North American airline serving non-alcoholic beer inflight, with Heineken 0.0 now complimentary on all flights 
• Free Beer & Wine, Everywhere – Complimentary beer and wine are now standard on every Air Canada flight, including routes to Mexico and the Caribbean 

MONTRÉAL, Oct. 1, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Canada continues to raise the bar on the Economy travel experience with complimentary beer, wine, and exclusive Canadian-made snacks now available for all customers on all flights, including routes to Mexico and the Caribbean*.

Launched on September 1, these upgrades reflect the airline’s commitment to delivering award-winning service for all customers, and a sharpened focus on leisure travellers as recognized by Skytrax. 

“As part of our commitment to elevating the onboard experience, we’re delighted to introduce even more exciting new options to our menus,” said Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty & Product at Air Canada. “These upgrades offer something for everyone and proudly showcase Canadian brands so that our customers can sit back, relax and kick-start their travels no matter where they’re going.” 

New Sips and Snacks to Savour 

• Morning flights (before 10 a.m.): A favourite in homes across Canada, MadeGood Mornings Cinnamon Bun Soft Baked Oat Bars join the line-up of complimentary snacks onboard, alongside Canadian favourites TWIGZ Craft Pretzels and Leclerc’s Celebration Cookies. 
• Toronto-Downtown Billy Bishop flights (after 10:30 a.m.): From Canadian brand Greenhouse, known for its organic and plant-based products, complimentary Greenhouse Ginger Defence Wellness Shots will provide an energizing kick to our offerings. These shots are also featured in Air Canada’s premium snack baskets and Bistro menu.
• Expanded Air Canada Bistro – Now featuring more Canadian-made choices, from Summer Fresh Hummus & Crackers and Quaker Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cups to bold new TWIGZ Sour Cream & Onion Pretzels and fan-favourite Smarties. 
• Crisp New Pour – With Heineken 0.0, Air Canada becomes the only North American airline to serve a non-alcoholic beer inflight, complementing its system-wide free beer and wine offering. 

The airline continues to set new benchmarks for comfort and convenience in travel with its best-in-class product and service offerings. In addition to rolling upgrades to its food and beverage offering, Air Canada has introduced a revamped mobile app, expanded in-flight entertainment, refreshed and newly refurbished and opened lounges, efficient airport processes, the best-in-class Aeroplan loyalty program, and seamless intermodal travel options all on one ticket. Further, fast, free Wi-Fi, sponsored by Bell, is available for Aeroplan Members on flights across North America and to-and-from Sun destinations, in Mexico and the Caribbean. 

*Valid on flights with beverage service operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz. Subject to availability. For full details, visit aircanada.com/bonappetit. Alcohol will be served only to persons who have reached the legal age of majority and in a responsible manner. 

Electra’s rapid growth and top engineering talent drive production of the EL9 forward  

MANASSAS, Va. and BLEIENBACH, Switzerland, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Electra.aero, Inc. (“Electra”) today announced the expansion of its facilities in Manassas, Virginia, and Bleienbach, Switzerland, to support the company’s rapid growth and the development of its nine-passenger hybrid-electric EL9 Ultra Short aircraft.

Electra’s hybrid-electric EL9 Ultra Short is designed to take off and land in spaces as short as 150 feet.

“Electra is on a mission to transform aviation, and expanding our facilities ensures we can continue attracting the world-class engineering talent to design, develop, and commercialize our groundbreaking EL9,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra.  “We’re giving our teams the resources they need to get our Ultra Short aircraft into the hands of our customers and deliver on the promise of Direct Aviation, making regional air travel more convenient, affordable, and sustainable.”

At its headquarters at Manassas Regional Airport in Virginia, Electra has opened a new 15,000-square-foot hangar and 6,000-square-foot office space. The expanded facility will house development and engineering teams. This addition complements Electra’s existing 36,000-square-foot headquarters facility in Manassas. Electra has more than doubled the size of its workforce in 2025 and will add dozens more engineering team members in the coming year.

In Europe, Electra has also expanded its R&D center in Bleienbach, Switzerland, to nearly 2,000 square feet. The Swiss facility plays a key role in attracting top European talent and advancing the company’s global engineering and innovation efforts.

Electra’s EL9 is designed to take off and land in spaces as short as 150 feet, using a combination of hybrid-electric propulsion and blown-lift aerodynamics. This capability opens thousands of new access points ranging from small, underserved airports to non-traditional sites such as parking lots or fields, enabling a new era of Direct Aviation. By bypassing congested hubs, the EL9 will connect people and places more directly while cutting travel time, reducing noise, and lowering emissions.

Electra has been showcasing the real-world potential of its Ultra Short takeoff and landing capabilities through nearly two years of successful flight demonstrations of its two-seat EL2 prototype. This year, Electra flew commercial demonstrations from novel airstrips, austere environments, and campus settings at Virginia Tech (video); off-runway operating scenarios in partnership with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Griffiss International Airport (towered) in Rome, NY, for AFRL’s Future Flag 25-3 test event; and commercial off-runway demonstrations at Watertown International Airport (untowered) in upstate New York (video). Together, these flights underscore the versatility of Electra’s platform for both commercial and defense customers.

Electra plans to begin flight testing the EL9 in 2027, to fly for FAA certification credit in 2028 and 2029, and to get the airplane certified and into service in late 2029, into 2030. To date, the company has secured more than 2,200 provisional orders from over 60 customers worldwide, representing a pipeline of more than $13 billion. To learn more about how Direct Aviation will transform air travel, watch the announcement video.

 Special Condor Fares for Affected Travelers

Frankfurt, September 30, 2025 – Condor Airlines is saddened about the demise of the Icelandic airline PLAY and the disruption this has caused for both passengers and their employees. Condor is stepping in to assist travelers affected by this sudden event. Many passengers relied on connections via Iceland to fly between the United States and Berlin, Paris and Prague, and have now been left stranded on both sides of the Atlantic.  

As Germany’s most popular “bleisure” airline, we know how important it is for people to reach their loved ones or continue their journeys without unnecessary stress. That is why we are offering special rescue fares to support affected PLAY airlines customers. 

“At Condor, we believe travel should bring people together, not leave them behind. By extending this helping hand, we hope to ease the inconvenience faced by PLAY’s customers during this period of disruption,” said Daniel de Carvalho, interim marketing and communications director. 

Until November 30, 2025, stranded or ticketed passengers can book a rescue fare on Condor’s transatlantic routes to or from Berlin (BER), Paris (CDG) and Prague (PRG), connecting via Frankfurt (FRA).To take advantage of this offer, affected passengers simply need to send proof of their original PLAY reservation along with full contact details to reservation@condor.com.  Condor’s customer care team will then personally reach out to arrange the booking. 

• Maximization of synergies by consistently promoting integrated and networked cooperation within the Group
• Focus on hub airlines: transformation programs and fleet renewal pave the way for greater profitability
• More than 230 new aircraft by 2030 – including 100 long-haul aircraft
• Point-to-point business with Eurowings, MRO and cargo business complete the Group’s broad portfolio
• New medium-term financial targets for 2028-2030:
  • 8-10 percent Adjusted EBIT margin
  • 15-20 percent Adjusted Return on Capital Employed
  • Over 2.5 billion euros in Adjusted Free Cash Flow per year
• Reduction of 4,000 administrative jobs by 2030 through digitalization, automation, and process consolidation 
   

At its Capital Markets Day in Munich, the Lufthansa Group presented its strategic planning and published new medium-term financial targets.

In front of analysts and investors, the company reaffirmed its goal of adapting the Group’s organizational and operational structure in order to reorganize cooperation and responsibilities within the Group. The aim is to achieve closer and more networked cooperation between group functions and airlines in order to leverage synergies and increase efficiency. In order to create sustainable value for customers, shareholders, and employees, the company is focusing on four strategic pillars under the umbrella of the group:

Network Airlines Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and ITA Airways: The airlines will move even closer together in the future as a result of adjustments to the organizational structure and processes and even deeper integration. This will clarify responsibilities, promote collaboration, and speed up decision-making processes. Group-wide steering of all commercial offer management (e.g., short- and medium-haul network management for all hub airlines) will increase productivity and efficiency. The airlines are also benefiting from continued strong global demand for air travel. This demand is being met by a tight offer due to ongoing delays in the supply chains of aircraft and engine manufacturers, which is having a positive effect on average revenues and load factors. The Lufthansa Group plays an active role in consolidation in Europe and is impressively demonstrating this through the rapid integration of ITA Airways. Existing transformation programs, such as “Turnaround” at the core brand Lufthansa Airlines, are being consistently implemented with the aim of significantly strengthening earnings performance. The largest fleet modernization in the company’s history is a key strategic element for future viability and increased profitability, and a clear commitment to innovation, sustainability, and premium quality. The Lufthansa Group expects to add more than 230 new aircraft by 2030, including 100 long-haul aircraft.

Point-to-point with Eurowings: Following its successful restructuring and repositioning as a value airline for Europe, accompanied by significant increases in earnings, the Eurowings success story is set to continue. In particular, Eurowings is consistently expanding its leisure travel offerings. The tour operator Eurowings Holidays, which was spun off in spring 2025, is bringing innovation and dynamism to the tourism business – with the clear goal of growing rapidly and becoming one of the top ten German tour operators. Further momentum is provided by the largest fleet renewal in the history of Eurowings, which will lead to significantly lower operating costs. With the gradual integration of new short- and medium-haul jets (40 Boeing 737-8 MAX), Eurowings will operate one of the youngest fleets in European aviation.

MRO with Lufthansa Technik: The global market leader in aircraft technical support is on track with the implementation of its “Ambition 2030” program for the future. Comprehensive investments in the growth of its core business, the expansion of locations and international presence, for example in Canada and Portugal, as well as the extension of digital business models are expected to significantly increase revenue and profit by 2030 and further secure the company’s future viability. In addition to its business with commercial airlines, Lufthansa Technik is pushing ahead with the development of its new “Defense” division in order to establish itself in this growth area.

Logistics with Lufthansa Cargo. Lufthansa Cargo is benefiting particularly from growing demand in the e-commerce business and opportunities arising from the volatility of global markets. The expansion of cargo capacities at Europe’s largest cargo airline, significant investments of 600 million euros in the central cargo hub at Frankfurt Airport, and the consistent expansion of automation and digitalization are increasing Lufthansa Cargo’s profitability with the aim of becoming one of the top three global players in the air cargo sector.

Consistent transformation

2025 and the coming years will be marked by significant investments and comprehensive adjustments for the Lufthansa Group. In particular, fleet renewal and future programs such as “Turnaround” at Lufthansa Airlines are part of a comprehensive change aimed at strengthening the Lufthansa Group in the long term and increasing productivity, efficiency, and profitability. These new measures are already delivering tangible positive effects.

The Lufthansa Group will also drive forward its digital transformation in the coming years. By consolidating all IT functions in one Executive Board department and combining the digital units and competencies from the ‘Digital Hangar’ with the ‘Innovation & Tech Factory’ in a new central role, the aim is to significantly expand digital expertise.

Another value driver is the Lufthansa Group’s customer loyalty program “Miles & More”. It is planned to increase the number of active members by 50 percent by 2030. Following the announcement of Deutsche Bank as a new partner for the Miles & More credit card and the strategic partnership with Marriott Bonvoy, the areas of Loyalty, Payment, Partnerships, and Retail Media are to be consistently expanded as growth areas for the Group in the coming years.

New medium-term financial targets

As a result, the Lufthansa Group expects significantly increased profitability by the end of the decade. The company is therefore setting itself new ambitious medium-term financial targets. These are aimed at exceeding the Lufthansa Group’s historical results.

Ultimately, all of the initiatives mentioned pursue a clear common goal: to position the company for the future and achieve sustainably attractive returns for shareholders. To this end, the company aims to achieve the following financial targets in the period 2028-2030:

·         Adjusted EBIT margin of 8 to 10 percent

·         Adjusted ROCE (Return on Capital Employed) before taxes of 15 to 20 percent

·         Adjusted Free Cash Flow of over 2.5 billion euros per year

Financial strength will continue to be the basis for achieving the financial targets. As is currently the case, the Lufthansa Group will continue to strive for an investment grade rating from leading rating agencies in the future. To hedge against potential crises, the Lufthansa Group will continue to maintain a conservative minimum liquidity of 8 to 10 billion euros.

In addition, the company will adhere to its existing dividend policy, which provides for a distribution of 20 to 40 percent of consolidated net income to shareholders.

Integrated cooperation within the Lufthansa Group will lead to significant changes in the processes and structures governing cooperation between Group companies in the future. On this basis, the Lufthansa Group is reviewing which activities will no longer be necessary in the future, for example due to duplication of work. In particular, the profound changes brought about by digitalization and the increased use of artificial intelligence will lead to greater efficiency in many areas and processes. Due to these developments and structural adjustments, the Lufthansa Group plans to cut a total of around 4,000 jobs worldwide by 2030, the majority of which will be in Germany. This will be done in consultation with the social partners. The focus will be on administrative rather than operational roles.

New security initiative streamlines the travel experience for connecting customers by eliminating bag re-check on select international routes

Airline launches new process on daily service from Sydney, Australia to San Francisco, California and plans to expand to additional routes

CHICAGO, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — United today announced the launch of a new U.S. Customs and Borders Protection (CBP) initiative, the International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS), for connecting passengers with checked bags that eliminates re-checking bags on select international routes, making the connecting experience even easier and reducing potential missed connections. The new process is currently available for United customers traveling on United’s daily service from Sydney, Australia (SYD) to San Francisco, California (SFO) with a connecting flight to a final destination.

Since launching the initiative, more than 160 passengers on each flight used the new process. These customers saved up to 45 minutes in their connection journey, relieving the stress of making their connecting flights to their final destinations.

Here’s how the process works for connecting passengers on the Sydney to San Francisco flights:

• Check bag at SYD – Travelers drop off checked bags as usual with an agent at the check-in counter in the lobby.
• Arrive at SFO – Passengers connecting on a flight to another destination go to CBP for customs, immigration and agriculture inspections and then head directly to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for security screening – removing the step for these travelers to pick-up checked bags at baggage claim and re-check them to their final destinations, unless specifically referred by CBP for further inspection. As the flight is heading to the United States from Sydney,  United, CBP and TSA work together to screen checked bags and once the flight arrives, the bags are loaded onto connecting flights.
• Pick-up at final destination – Travelers simply pick-up their baggage at baggage claim at their final destination and head on their way.

“We’re streamlining the international arrival process by eliminating extra steps for travelers to pick-up and re-check their bags on connecting flights,” said Jennifer Schwierzke, United’s Vice President of Customer Operations Strategy and Execution. “Together with CBP, we’re testing this new process on routes between Sydney and San Francisco and plan to expand to additional international routes in the months ahead.” 

United is partnering with Sydney Airport, BagCheck and Brock Solutions, leading baggage solution providers, to launch this initiative, streamline the connecting experience for customers and improve the efficiency of the bag inspection process.

“It’s great to see United Airlines trialing bag re-check elimination on the Sydney – San Francisco route, one of our busiest long-haul services,” said Scott Charlton, Sydney Airport CEO. “It’s a win for passengers – saving valuable time, making connections easier, and showing how Sydney Airport and our airline partners are working together to deliver smoother, more seamless journeys.”

CBP’s IRBS is the latest way United is improving the connecting experience for travelers. Earlier this summer, United launched new, personalized mobile app features for customers with connecting flights at United’s U.S. hub airports. They can now access a special section of the app that includes a countdown to connecting flights, customized turn-by-turn directions to their connecting gate with estimated walk times, real-time flight status updates, tips for longer layovers and notifications if United’s ConnectionSaver technology has been activated to hold the plane for them. Since launching the features, more than 3.5 million customers have used the new features, achieving a 95% success rate making their connection.

CALGARY, AB, Sept. 29, 2025 /CNW/ – WestJet, an Alberta Partnership and Canadian commercial airline headquartered in Calgary, Alberta (“WestJet”), is providing notice to United States residents of a recent cybersecurity incident that may affect certain individuals’ personal information.

On June 13, 2025, WestJet identified suspicious activity on its systems. WestJet immediately began its investigation and determined that these were the actions of a sophisticated, criminal third party, who gained unauthorized access to WestJet’s systems.

Given the significant importance of data security to the integrity of its business, WestJet was prepared for incidents of this nature and followed its response planning by taking immediate action to contain the incident and secure its systems. As a result, at no point was the safety and integrity of WestJet’s airline operations in question.

WestJet engaged internal and external experts to perform a technical and forensic investigation to identify the nature and scope of the event. Unfortunately, WestJet confirmed that certain data was obtained from its systems. Since making that determination, WestJet diligently conducted an extensive analysis of that data to identify specific data elements and locate current contact information for certain United States residents who were impacted. As of September 15, 2025, WestJet completed that analysis and as a result is providing this notice. Due to WestJet’s internal precautionary measures, no credit card or debit card numbers, expiry dates and CVV numbers, and no guest user passwords were obtained.

The personal information involved in this incident varies from person to person. For most individuals, the type of personal information involved was not sensitive. However, for certain individuals the data may include information such as name, contact details, information and documents provided in connection with their reservation and travel, and data regarding their relationship with WestJet. In line with regulatory requirements, WestJet has identified those individuals who it will contact to provide information and support regarding this incident where WestJet has sufficient contact information. For more information, WestJet has also posted additional information and guidance on its website.

Given the criminal nature of this incident, WestJet closely cooperated with law enforcement, including the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, and has notified the relevant authorities, including the US credit reporting agencies (TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax), the applicable Attorneys General of the US States with impacted residents, Transport Canada, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and its provincial and international counterparts as appropriate.

Containment is complete, and some additional system and data security measures have been implemented. However, analysis is ongoing, and WestJet will continue to take measures to further enhance its cybersecurity protocols.

In addition, WestJet retained the assistance of Cyberscout, a TransUnion company, in providing impacted individuals with fraud assistance and remediation services. If you received an email or letter notice about this incident directly from WestJet, that notice sets out the types of personal information about you that may have been involved in this incident and provides information on how to access identity theft protection services.

If you were not contacted by WestJet directly and would like to know whether your data was involved, please contact WestJet at 1-888-937-8538 or wjresponseteam@westjet.com.

WestJet encourages individuals to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud, to review account statements, and monitor free credit reports for suspicious activity. Out of an abundance of caution, if potentially affected individuals would like to take additional measures to protect against identity theft, the Federal Trade Commission provides general advice here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/identity-theft.

We sincerely regret this situation, and we remain grateful for the support and patience of the thousands of guests and WestJetters who place their trust in us.

– Global carrier grows its 787 Dreamliner order book to support growth, fleet renewal

– Commitment to purchase up to 150 737 MAX jets will be the airline’s largest Boeing single-aisle order

SEATTLE, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Turkish Airlines announced today a firm order for up to 75 787 Dreamliners, the flag carrier’s largest ever Boeing widebody purchase. The deal includes 35 of the 787-9 model, 15 of the larger 787-10, and options for 25 787 Dreamliners to grow and modernize the airline’s fleet. The new order will support more than 123,000 jobs across the U.S.

The airline also announced its intent to purchase up to 150 more 737 MAX airplanes, which will be its largest Boeing single-aisle order when finalized. The 787 and 737 MAX orders combined will double Turkish Airlines’ Boeing fleet as the carrier expands its capacity and network.

“This landmark agreement represents much more than a fleet growth. It is a reflection of our leadership in the industry as well as our dedication to innovation and operational excellence,” said Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee. “The addition of these advanced Boeing aircraft to our fleet will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also become a significant element supporting Turkish Airlines’ 2033 Vision of expanding our fleet to 800 aircraft.”

Across a network that reaches the most countries of any airline in the world, Turkish Airlines operates more than 200 Boeing jets today, including the 787-9, 777, 737 MAX, Next-Generation 737 and 777 Freighter airplanes.

Adding the larger 787-10 to its future fleet will enable Turkish Airlines to benefit from additional passenger and cargo capacity while improving fuel efficiency on high-demand routes between Istanbul and destinations in the U.S., Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

The 787-10, like the 787-9, also offers superior passenger comfort with the largest windows of any widebody jet, air that is less dry and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.

“We are honored that Turkish Airlines has once again chosen the 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX to power its future growth,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Turkish Airlines is one of the global operators that have made the 787 a versatile component of their long-haul fleets. With more than 1,200 airplanes delivered, the 787 Dreamliner family serves about 500,000 passengers daily and connects the most countries of any widebody fleet.

Pope added, “As a proud partner to Türkiye and the Turkish aviation industry for 80 years, we look forward to continuing our support of Turkish Airlines as they expand operations and deliver exceptional experiences to their passengers.”

For eight decades, Boeing has supported Türkiye’s airline operators with commercial jets and services, as well as the government with defense platforms.

With offices in Ankara and Istanbul, Boeing has invested $2 billion in supply chain development, creating nearly 5,000 jobs in Türkiye. These investments foster growth in the local aerospace sector, promote innovation, and enhance the integration of Turkish industry into the global aerospace supply chain through its supplier development program.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

– Leading Scandinavian airline extends its commitment to the 737 MAX with agreement for 30 737-8 airplanes

– Fuel-efficient, reliable 737 MAX airplanes to help Norwegian Group expand its network across Europe

OSLO, Norway, Sept. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Norwegian Group announced today that the airline group has placed an order for 30 737-8 airplanes as the airline looks to expand its service across Europe.

The agreement represents the group’s first direct Boeing order since 2017 and increases their 737 MAX order book to 80 airplanes.

“This milestone aircraft order is on attractive terms and secures our fleet growth in a way that supports our planned growth and sustainability targets. By exercising the options and adjusting the delivery profile, we maintain flexibility while reinforcing our commitment to operating one of the most modern and fuel-efficient fleets in Europe,” said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian. “These aircraft will not only lower emissions but also provide our customers with an even better travel experience. We are pleased to extend our solid long-term partnership with Boeing through this order.”

Norwegian has predominantly operated Boeing single-aisle airplanes since placing its first order for the Next-Generation 737-800 in 2007. It was the first European airline to take delivery of the 737 MAX in 2017 and was also the first airline to operate the 737-8 model on transatlantic routes between Europe and the U.S.

In 2022, Norwegian restructured its order book, firming its commitment to 50 737-8s with options for an additional 30 airplanes.

“Norwegian’s impressive performance over the past few years has demonstrated the strength of their network, business model and strategy. Today’s agreement for an additional 30 737-8s will support their ambition to be the airline of choice in Scandinavia, providing flexibility to expand across Europe and beyond,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “Norwegian has been a great partner to the 737 program, having placed over 200 orders for the 737 NG and MAX since 2007. We are honored that Norwegian continues to place its trust in our 737 team to grow its business.”

The 737-8 model can carry up to 200 passengers depending on configuration, with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). The 737 MAX family is well-suited to support airline fleet modernization by reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes they replace.

About Norwegian 
The Norwegian group is a leading Nordic aviation company, headquartered at Fornebu outside Oslo, Norway. The company has over 8,200 employees and owns two of the prominent airlines in the Nordics: Norwegian Air Shuttle and Widerøe’s Flyveselskap. Widerøe was acquired by Norwegian in 2024, aiming to facilitate seamless air travel across the two airline’s networks.

Norwegian Air Shuttle, the largest Norwegian airline with around 4,700 employees, operates an extensive route network connecting Nordic countries to key European destinations. In 2024, Norwegian carried 22,6 million passengers and maintained a fleet of 86 Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

United completed equipment installation on first 737-800 and expects first customer flight to depart from Newark/New York on October 15

Starlink is now installed on more than half of the aircraft in United’s regional fleet, and the airline continues to install Starlink on approximately 50 regional jets each month

CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — United today announced the FAA certified its first mainline Starlink-equipped aircraft, and the first commercial flight is planned for October 15.

This certification comes less than five months since the first Starlink-equipped United customer flight on the Embraer 175 regional aircraft and less than a year since United signed the industry’s largest agreement of its kind with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s fast, reliable Wi-Fi service free to MileagePlus members on the airline’s mainline and regional aircraft fleet.

The FAA approved Starlink’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) amendment for the Boeing 737-800 to include United’s fleet. United completed the equipment installation on its first mainline aircraft and expects the first Starlink-equipped mainline flight to be onboard a United Boeing 737-800 that will fly from Newark/New York on October 15.

United’s first Starlink-equipped regional flight took place on a regional jet in May 2025, and the airline now has Starlink installed on more than half of the aircraft in its regional fleet. Initial customer scores on those flights have been noteworthy with 90% of customers appreciating the ability to stream onboard with Starlink’s high-speed, easy-to-use and consistent connection.  

“Customers are loving the Starlink experience onboard our regional aircraft, and our first Starlink-equipped mainline aircraft will bring a superior inflight experience to even more people,” said Grant Milstead, United’s Vice President of Digital Technology. “We’re working to install Starlink and offer game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like streaming services, shopping, gaming and more.” 

Starlink stands to unlock an incredible onboard experience for United customers – the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, for free.

Starlink continues to secure an FAA STC to install Starlink on every United aircraft type getting the new equipment – more than 16 total regional and mainline aircraft models.

The FAA certification process involves approval of the design, installation, testing and certification of the system to ensure safe and reliable operations. United unveiled the Starlink installation process earlier this year, underscoring the technical operations benefits associated with the equipment, including size and weight as well as the ease of install and maintenance. The Starlink system, when compared to non-Starlink equipment, allows for a faster and simpler installation because it is lighter, requiring less fuel to operate the aircraft and is more reliable and weather-proofed.

Starlink is free for all MileagePlus® customers and includes game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like streaming services, shopping, gaming and more, thanks to Wi-Fi speeds up to 250 megabits per second (Mbps). Membership to MileagePlus® is also free, and people can sign-up now at united.com/starlink.